Try a treatment that does not use medicine, such as a device call the ReliefBand. This device looks like a watch and is worn around the wrist. A raised portion on the surface of the ReliefBand places pressure on a portion of your wrist. Through this area, the ReliefBand stimulates nerves in the wrist to treat motion sickness. A light electronic signal stimulates nerve impulses in your body. The ReliefBand reportedly disrupts the feeling of nausea through natural nerve stimulation (see Resources). There are also wrist bands available that simply put pressure on your wrists with no electronic impulses. These are available in some airports. The benefit of these devices is that they do not make you groggy during and after travel.
Try other non-medicinal approaches. Ginger has been used for centuries to relieve nausea. Take 250 mg up to three times a day to prevent motion sickness. Other suggested remedies include peppermint (Mentha piperita) and black horehound (Ballotta nigra). These can be taken in capsule form or used in tea.
Discuss with your physician what medical alternatives are available to you. The Transderm Scop patch is the most popular prescription medication for motion sickness. The patch is placed behind your ear several hours before traveling. The patch can be left on for several days after your flight. The downside is food and sugary drinks may taste unusual, and your mouth can get dry. Other side effects can include drowsiness, disorientation and blurred vision.
Take an antihistamine. Other motion sickness medications include promethazine (Phenergan), cyclizine (Marezine), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and medlizine (Bonine). All of these medications may produce a dry mouth and drowsiness. Many of these medicines are not suitable for children. Always ask you physician or pharmacist if these medications will interact with any other medication you are taking.
Do not eat a big, greasy meal the night before or the morning of your flight. Stick to breads, bagels, oatmeal or low-calorie snacks. Do not consume any dairy products or anything with a high salt content. Sit where you do not feel the motion as much. Try the front of the plane or over the wing. Do not look out of the window. Do not read and do not smoke. Keep cool by directing the air vent over your seat onto your face.
